Outline

Whether writing a game review or an op-ed piece on video games, you will be using a very simple formula to organize your pieces: This [insert game, developer] merits praise / deserves a second look for [reason 1], [reason 2], etc. This structure is embedded within your thesis.

See example:

While I normally tend to phase out overly complicated narratives in my games, Metro Exodus does laudable job in letting the gameplay and mechanics inform your decisions as Artyom even while those very aspects show their age and result in some minor gaming frustrations.

[ ] —> reasons 1 and [ ] reason 2

The body of your paper should relate to this fundamental structure. Your body paragraphs work to further explain the reasons with ‘sub-reasons’ or smaller working parts within gameplay that make it important to your opinion/review.

See example:

[Gameplay] -> Combat

            |

            V

       Crafting

Thus, your review will take on the following organization pattern:

Reason 1 Break

Intro Paragraph for Gameplay

Further break down Combat, Crafting

Combat paragraph

Combat paragraph

Pop out text for the highlighted section that reads: “Introductory Paragraph for Gameplay that sets up the further details (aspects) of Combat ad Gameplay. “

The survival gameplay revolves around resource management and crafting. Resources are limited, so you are encouraged to kill enemies with stealth to save bullets. To help you along, the game scatters “workbenches” where you can craft ammunition, health, gas masks, and gun customizations.

Pop-out text that highlights below and says “Further distinction within your reason for liking a game; i.e., your reason = Stellar GUI, aspects = Central HUD, or Dynamic Maps)

Pop-out text that reads: Section Dividers written to separate your three reasons from one another.

The Nuts and Bolts—What’s the same

Combat comes in two flavors: stealth and screw it, I’m going in loud. Crouching masks your footsteps so that you can—if you choose—sneak up behind enemies and present a button either to stun or to kill your unwitting foe. Exodus’ gunplay is refreshingly simple with headshots that one-shots enemies and standard melee that allows you to bludgeon slowly and rather unremarkably random hostiles.

4A Games furnishes you with traditional crafting mechanics that encourage you to explore the game’s large open-world area. Using any of the aforementioned workbenches spread thoughtfully throughout Moscow Nuclear Hell, you can re-up your ammo and health. At higher difficulty settings, which I recommend, you barely scrape by so that spotting a workbench creates genuine relief.

Your articles will take this structure. Note that you can select the number of reasons and aspects you like from a game.